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Martin O’Neill has urged that Celtic be granted the full away ticket allocation permitted under Scottish Cup rules for next month’s quarter-final showdown with Rangers at Ibrox, arguing that the Old Firm spectacle has been diminished without a packed travelling support.
Away fans only began returning to league derbies in limited numbers last March, ending a lengthy absence that followed the clubs’ failure to agree on ticketing arrangements. The current compromise allows roughly 2,000 visiting supporters at both Celtic Park and Ibrox in Premiership fixtures. However, cup regulations differ significantly, allowing away clubs to claim up to 20 per cent of tickets — a figure that would see around 10,000 Celtic fans inside Ibrox, subject to agreement with police and safety authorities.
With the Scottish Cup tie pencilled in for the weekend of March 7–8, just a week after another league derby in Govan, the prospect of a traditional full stand of Celtic supporters returning to Ibrox has re-emerged. O’Neill believes that would restore something special to one of football’s most famous rivalries.
“I don’t know the club’s official position,” O’Neill said, “but speaking purely as a Celtic supporter, I’d want every ticket we’re entitled to under the rules. I assume that’s what should happen.”
The former Celtic manager feels the Old Firm lost part of its identity when full away allocations disappeared. “For me, the fixture lost something when that stopped — one of the great games in European football, maybe world football. It just wasn’t quite the same. Having some away fans back helps, but having a full allocation again would be brilliant.”
Recalling past visits to Ibrox, O’Neill added that seeing an entire stand filled with Celtic supporters was always a highlight. “It was always special, and people I’ve spoken to — even outside Scotland — feel exactly the same. There are still fans who’ve never experienced this fixture properly and would love to. It would be fantastic if both clubs got full allocations again.”
Beyond ticketing, O’Neill also questioned the scheduling that leaves Celtic facing four straight away matches. The run includes trips to Stuttgart and Aberdeen, sandwiched between two visits to Ibrox, following the decision to slot the rearranged Pittodrie clash into March 4.
“I was surprised how quickly the Aberdeen game was put in,” he said. “I understand the league doesn’t want postponements dragging into the split, but it could have been thought through more carefully. That’s a huge amount of travelling for supporters, and the cost will be tough for many.”
On the team front, there was more positive news. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could feature in Wednesday’s Premiership match against Livingston after completing his first two training sessions.
“He’s looking sharp,” O’Neill said. “I haven’t finalised the squad, but there’s definitely a chance he could be involved.”
Kieran Tierney, meanwhile, was forced off against Dundee with what initially appeared to be concussion, but O’Neill confirmed it was a broken nose. “He’s fine and very keen to be available,” he added.
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